How Baby Brains Recover After Early Stroke

This study follows babies who have had a stroke in the womb or shortly after birth. Researchers use brain imaging, special brain measurements, and movement assessments to understand how each baby's brain is healing and developing, and to predict which babies might develop cerebral palsy.

Half to three-quarters of babies who have perinatal strokes develop permanent movement problems, and some also have learning difficulties. Most babies aren't diagnosed with cerebral palsy until age two—but the brain heals fastest in the first two years of life. By studying babies much earlier, researchers hope to catch problems sooner and develop treatments that work better.